Do-It-Yourself Room Decorations

Decorating your room is a great way to make the space your own, even if you have to share space with a sibling or other family member. When you decorate, it is also a good time to organize everything and get rid of junk.

Some tips for room decorations:

First, find out if you are allowed to paint your room. If so, remember it's a long-term decision -- pick a color that you'll like for a while and don't do something that will ruin your walls. You can paint a solid color (or pick a color scheme of two or three colors), use patterns (stripes or dots) or even choose a theme (stars, animals, sports, racing nature). In addition to normal paint brushes, you can use sponges to make imprints on your wall.

There are all kinds of paint, including chalkboard paint that you can write on and magnetic paint that you can stick things to. You can also put up corkboards and whiteboards. An adult can help you understand your choices.

If you can't paint, try decorating the walls with fabric. Use liquid starch on the back of a large piece of fabric and smooth it onto the wall. You can use pins to keep it in place as it dries.

Ask your parents if you can paint your furniture, such as desks and bookcases.

Make your own window shades with plain fabric.

It's easy to make pillowcases and pillows with any fabric you want. You can also make pillows out of old t-shirts. Cut a square out of the fabric or shirt and sew it onto another square of the same size. Sew together three sides (like a bag), stuff it and sew it closed.

Decorate lampshades -- but make sure to use things that are not flammable (meaning stuff that won't catch fire if it's placed next to a hot light bulb). Some ideas include rhinestones, paint, beads and coins. Make sure to use non-flammable glue, too. You can also punch holes in the lampshade and weave ribbon through.

Put out picture frames or things you like to collect, such as toy cars or seashells, so they can be seen.

Make sure you have a place to do homework with enough light.

Make your own pencil holders out of old jars or bottles. Paint them or glue on beads, feathers or anything else you want.